Every year, thousands of passengers, alas, face the problem of losing luggage at airports. Not only can it be an unpleasant experience, but it can also be a stressful experience for people, especially if they have valuables or medicines in their luggage. Why is there so much loss of luggage, and what can be done to avoid this problem?
Why is luggage lost?
The reasons for the loss of baggage during the flight can be different.
- Most often, sadly, this is the human factor: in the process of registration and loading of luggage, incorrect labeling or erroneous reading of the barcode by loaders may occur.
- Also, there are often cases when luggage remains on the previous flight due to a delay or crossing the connection - it simply does not have time to be delivered to another plane.
- If the baggage has fallen off the baggage carousel or conveyor, and the markings have come off, and the passenger's name and contact information are not on the suitcase, then the airport services may face difficulties in finding the owner.
- There are other reasons, for example, one of the passengers had a similar suitcase, and he mistakenly took your luggage. Most likely, after a while, he will independently contact the airport staff and inform about the replacement of luggage (I want to believe in it!).
What should I do if my baggage is lost?
Check the transport belts: at some airports, luggage is released on several belts, and your suitcase may "roll" on the adjacent belt. If there is only one carousel, then check where oversized luggage is issued - perhaps your suitcase got there.
If there is no luggage anywhere, you need to contact a special counter in the arrival hall or the airline's baggage service at the airport. The company's employees will help you draw up documents about the loss and track the location of your luggage (it is important to keep these documents!).
If your baggage cannot be found, you will be provided with options for compensation based on the application. When your baggage is found, the airline staff will contact you on their own to return the lost.
The time for searching for luggage can be up to three weeks.
How do I get compensation for my baggage?
If the baggage was lost or the integrity of the suitcase was violated illegally and illegally, the passenger has the right to demand compensation from the airline. The amount of compensation is limited and regulated by international conventions.
It is important to know that there is a difference in the baggage refund rules of different airlines, so it is worth checking the policy of the company through which the flight was carried out.
If you demand a specific amount for the lost suitcase and its contents, then be prepared for the fact that you will be asked to attach receipts to the application - otherwise, compensation will be calculated at the average rate, which is no more than 69,990 rubles per 1 piece of luggage.
An application for compensation is sent to the airline by registered mail, the terms of consideration of such applications are from 6 to 18 months, depending on the flight. If the application is ignored, then you can file a statement of claim with the court.
If you arrived in another city or country and were left without things, you can request additional compensation from the airline for the purchase of essential goods. On average, it is about 100 euros.
How to be on the safe side?
The best ways to insure against lost baggage are:
- choose suitcases in bright colors or put a bright noticeable case on the bag,
- hang a tag with your own name and contact phone number on the handle,
- arrive at the airport in advance so that your suitcase has time to get on the plane,
- take the most necessary things in your hand luggage.
Following these tips will help you avoid trouble and speed up the process of recovering your lost luggage. In addition, luggage can be insured: there are companies at the airport that are ready to compensate for the loss in case of loss.
Lost luggage is an unpleasant incident that can ruin the entire travel experience, but taking precautions will help you avoid problems and quickly resolve the situation!
